Walking with Shepherds Walks

Hulne Park - Alnwick

Guided Walk Date – 15/05/08

Our first evening guided walk of the year and the weather was ideal. Not too warm but with it being dry it made for an ideal evening to discover Hulne Park.

We started promptly at 6.30 and soon we were walking through this beautiful park, owned by the Duke of Northumberland.

We soon climbed up and reached Brizlee Tower, an ornamental tower dated 1781, and thought to have been designed by John Adam for the first Duke of Northumberland, although it is also attributed to the Duke himself. It is in an elaborate Gothick style and was built as a viewing platform for Alnwick Castle Park.

Just around the corner we reached and admired the new family burial ground with its magnificent 12 foot high gates fashioned by blacksmith Stephen Lunn, who works at The Forge in Red Row, Northumberland.

The gates which took more than five months to create reflect the personal interests of the Duke and Duchess.

We then dropped down again and it was not long before we were passing through the archway, taking us out of Hulne Park back into the outskirts of Alnwick and then back to the Market Square.

A lovely small group of walkers and an ideal walk for a May evening.

You can find out more about the guided walks we have coming up by clicking here.

St Oswald's Way (part 2) - Fenwick to Belford

Walk date - 11/05/08

A week of sunshine, we could not go wrong, or so I thought!

After the warmest week of the year so far I set off from Rothbury in my shorts and T-shirt. As I drove towards the coast I hit the sea fret. It was still very early, so it was bound to clear before the start of the walk at 10.30. Sadly this was not the case; we had it all day.

Belford was the meeting point and then we had a quick transfer by two minibuses to Fenwick.  Today we split ourselves into 2 groups, with Richard leading one and myself (Jon) leading the second. Alison was again doing a stirling job backmarking.

We climbed up from Fenwick quickly gaining height initially on the road before entering the woodland and climbing to one of my favourite coastal viewpoints. Needless to say we could not see anything!

We did a quick detour to St Cuthbert’s Cave, which made an ideal location for lunch. The two groups met up for lunch, which gave a great opportunity to catch up with people.

After lunch we were soon back on St Oswald’s Way, passing through more woodland then farmland as we reached Belford.

The two groups seemed in good spirits and adding the 2 mile detour to St Cuthbert’s Cave made for a nice length of walk. I personally think we are getting better in managing two groups when out on walks, but that’s not up to me to decide.

The next section is in just over a month’s time, as we hit some of the iconic images of the Northumbrian coastline and continue south. Let’s hope we are joined by such good company again.

To view the photograps from this walk click here.

• You can see all the dates for the rest of the St Oswald's Way walk by clicking here.

Harbottle Crags - Private Guided Walk

Walk Date - 04/05/08

Another wet day, it seems every time I have been leading a walk this week it has rained, but today was different. It was continues rain, rather than showers. The only thing that varied today was how heavy the rain was, from light drizzle to heavy rain. But to be a fair reporter I would have to mention the two minute dry period after our coffee stop.

Today was one of my favourite, now turning into a regular, guided walk group. We had walked previously around Kirkharle on a few occasions so it was time to venture slightly further afield and the destination agreed was my favourite medium length walk, Harbottle Crags.

We had 40 walkers so we split them into two groups, with myself and Richard guiding a group each. Half way through the walk we were going to meet up and have one large coffee break then swap guides around for the second half of the walk.

As we climbed up to the Drake Stone and on to the Otterburn Ranges it was quickly apparent how all the rain had made the path even worse than last week, when we both walked this route with another group. The odd muddy section did not seem to bother the group who had high spirits and certainly enjoyed the experience.

As we dropped down to Low Alwinton we had a brief pause in the rain, but as we passed the Lime Kiln the rain was back on the agenda until the end of the walk.

I think a good day was had by all and they were well prepared for the conditions and the group did not let the weather dampen their enjoyment.

• If you would like Shepherds Walks to lead a group for your group please contact us.

Elsdon – Private Guided Walk

Walk Date - 01/05/08

Owen Pugh

When I proof walked this walk the day previously the footbridge I was proposing to use was over a foot under water, other rivers flowed across the paths and the ground was totally saturated. This was due to the rain falling for the 12 hours previously. We were in for a bit of fun!

Luckily the following day the world had changed, or that’s what I hoped, as I pulled into the car park. The only positive thought from the day before was that much of the walk was on a well surfaced track.

After meeting up we set off at a good pace climbing up away from the small hamlet of Elsdon before stopping at ‘Landshot’ for our first look at some sheep and lambs. Blackface and Mules were the breeds of sheep for today’s identification lesson!

We then climbed steeply up onto Landshot Hill, from where you are treated to one of the finest ‘secret’ views in Northumberland.

After keeping our height for a little while we dropped down and skirted through the edges of Harwood Forest before passing through a heavy rain shower as we made our way back to Elsdon.

A great, friendly group who hopefully will remember their snapshot of this superb undiscovered part of Northumberland.

Please click here to contact us if you would like Shepherds Walks to lead a walk for your group.

Harbottle Crags – Private Guided Walk

Walk Date - 27/04/08

Morpeth Footpath Association

This was going to be an interesting day. A good friend Colin had asked me to take a group out on a guided walk as a little bit of training, as many of them already lead walks or are just starting out to lead walks. Richard and Mike (two of the existing Shepherds Walks guides) joined us for the day to help out.

I always find these kinds of events useful, as you question why you do things and hopefully learn something from the walkers. I personally picked up on a few things that will hopefully help me improve my own guiding skills.

What better walk could I take them on but Harbottle Crags. My favourite medium length walk in Northumberland. We initially climbed up steeply to the Drake Stone and appreciated one of my favourite views in the region as we looked down on Harbottle. What a great village it is.

After skirting around the edge of the ranges it was time for lunch. Then we dropped back down to Low Alwinton and back along the course of the river Coquet as we returned into Harbottle.

A lively group who certainly appreciated the walk. I have no doubt that they may have picked up a couple of points to help them.

It was an honour to be asked to help out in such a day.

• Please click here and conatct me if you would like Shepherds Walks to lead your group.

Shaftoe Crags/ Bolam Lake

Walk Date - 26/04/08

As the group met and checked in the weather looked as if it would fulfill the weatherman’s prediction “rain”. 

As we walked east along the shore of Bolam Lake the bird watchers came to the fore, two nesting swans, a whole flock of last years off-springs and a couple of Canada geese, wth robins and blackbirds in the surrounding shrubbery.  We also heard a woodpecker drumming. 

Leaving Bolam Low House we were overtaken by a couple who were obviously desperate to put some distance between them and us.  In the woodland just before Shortflatt Tower two nuthatch were seen.  As we walked towards Sandyford Farm, a discourse on how to tell the differences between Silver Birch and Downy Birch kept the group entranced or more likely bewildered.

Sandyford Farm Buildings were greatly admired by some of the group as we ambled by.  The next great challenge was to identify when we crossed the line of the Devil’s Causeway, a Roman Road from near Corbridge to Almouth.  The group failed although Mike did try to prove that you could see the line of the road!!

After a gentle walk up hill to East Shaftoe Hall, passing some big white fluffy things and numerous little white fluffy things (help Jon!). We turned west over a cobbled section of track, looking south-eastish we could see Penshaw Monument, an estimated distance of 25miles. 

After passing Shaftoe Grange a much needed lunch stop.  After lunch as we walked through Salters Nick, Mike became very excited over the rock formations (sad or what?) With the wind now on our backs the walking was even more pleasant (no need for hats and ear muffs) and once again in theory according to Mike crossed the Devil’s Causeway. 

From Bolam West Houses a short walk along the road brought us back to the cars, and the first spots of rain!

To view the pictues from this walk click here.

• You can find out more about the guided walks we have coming up by clicking here.

St Oswald’s Way (part 1) – Holy Island to Fenwick

Walk Date - 13/04/08

This was going to be a big day for Shepherds Walks, for three reasons. It was the first time we would be having two groups walking on the same walk at the same time. It was also the first time that we had walked a linear walk for a day long guided walk and the first time we had used transport to get us to the starting point. It had been a long time in planning, fingers crossed it would go to plan.

Everybody  arrived early for the start, which was ideal. With 40 walkers and 3 guides (Richard, Alison and myself) it was a little like a military plan. We had a guide on each of the three minibuses with their appropriate group. Alison’s group would then be split between Richard and me for the walk across the sand and through the farmland back to Fenwick.

The sun was shining, that is one thing I had not expected to go to plan and for mid April it was not all that cold. After an early lunch on Holy Island it was time to hit the beach and walk across the Pilgrims’ Way, which is clearly marked with tall posts across the sand. In the distance the cars were streaming across the causeway. 

Walking that distance on sand is not something most walkers get to experience and it certainly makes for memories. Upon hitting mainland it was back to familiar territory with agricultural crops and Suffolk sheep. After crossing the east coast mainline it was not long before we were back at Fenwick.

It was certainly one to remember, not only for the weather, but for the start of what I believe will be a superb series of walks as we cover the entire length of St Oswald’s Way over the coming months. It will certainly make for an enjoyable 97 miles!

You can view more photographs taken on this walk by clicking here.

• You can see all the dates for the rest of the St Oswald's Way walk by clicking here.

Humbleton Hill

Walk Date - 23/03/08

Easter Sunday, the start of Spring. Well nearly!

What an Easter weekend it had been, snow flurries with many of them settling. On Saturday night, the evening before the walk I was thinking to myself, ‘I could see this not going ahead if we had a large fall of snow overnight’.

As I drove up to Wooler early in the morning I was surprised to see so little snow lying, but it still going to be a cold day.

The whole group were glad to be on our way to warm up the limbs as we skirted around the edge of Wooler, before climbing up to and passed through the lovely village of Humbleton.

We continued to gradually climb and found a lovely sheltered spot right at the foot of Humbleton Hill for our lunch. 

After lunch we climbed up to the summit where there are still some historic remains of a 'Citadel' - a hill fort constructed during the Iron Age. After the ‘summit shot’ it was a steep decent as the snow showers came rolling in from the coast.

We jumped on St Cuthbert's Way for a short stretch then we were back to the car park.

A great walk and not too much snow!

• You can find out more about the guided walks we have coming up by clicking here.

Copper Snout and Clennel Street

Walk Date - 02/03/08

Today a great walk was in store, walking in the heart of The Cheviots, from Alwinton.

It was the beginning of March, so the weather could have gone either way. The wind was blowing, but the sun was shining and as we were going to climb up fairly high it was going to be a blowy day.

We were a little late leaving but soon warmed up as we climbed, skirting the lower sections of Greenside before dropping down to find some shelter. What a great spot, out of the wind, to have our lunch overlooking the river Coquet. The warmth of the winter sun was very much appreciated.

After lunch, fully revitalised, we started climbing up over Saugh Rigg to Copper Snout. The group made very good pace and as at this time of year the air was very clear we could all appreciate the fantastic views as we followed this old drovers road.

Once we reached Clennell Street it was downhill all the way, initially through the forest, past Wholehope as we followed this wonderful old drovers road, which in times past would have been used by cattle drovers, shepherds, pedlars and whiskey smugglers.  The name Clennell means ‘clean hills’.

We were soon back into Alwinton, a little windswept but a fit group of walkers. A good day was had by all and I hope not too many of them got into trouble for being out walking on Mother’s Day!!

You can view more photographs taken on the walk by clicking here.

• You can find out more about thr guided walks we have coming up by clicking here.

Alnmouth coastal walk

Walk Date - 20/01/08

Was it really February?

The sun was shining, the sky was blue and everyone could not believe how good the weather was as we all congregated in the car park, overlooking the North Sea on one of my favourite stretches of coastline in Northumberland.

With the guided walk being sold out for a number of weeks expectations were high.

After a brief introduction we climbed gradually up behind the beach to one of the many great vantage points we would experience throughout the day. Initially there was a little haze, but Coquet Island and Amble could just be made out. Thankfully the group had a couple of people with some good local knowledge who could bring this section of the walk to life. When there are no sheep I get kind of stuck!

After crossing the golf course, following the North Sea Trail, we headed inland to a great viewpoint overlooking the River Aln. What a great opportunity for a group photograph! 

We dropped down and passed through the lovely village of Lesbury, before heading under the east coast mainline railway and heading into farmland, where we were treated to some great views of Alnmouth itself and the lovely wide estuary.

After following the new path put in place for the North Sea Trail we were walking along ‘lovers lane’, which took us back into Alnmouth.

I suspect we should have really packed sunscreen rather than waterproofs and I know we will look back on this walk with fond memories. Especially when we are walking in the rain in August!

You can view more pictures taken on ths guided walk by clicking here.

• You can find out more about the guided walks we have coming up by clicking here.